When it was announced that Red Octane would be handing the Guitar Hero torch off to Neversoft, I was kind of ambivalent. Sure, Neversoft is a reputable development house, and they know how to keep a franchise fresh. But I always get skeptical when IP’s get transferred. While we still don’t know much about the next rock god heir, Guitar Hero III, a press release today gave us our first nugget of information. First, is a partial list of tracks for the game, which ironically keeps my streak of listed posts alive. These aren’t all the songs in the game, just a few.

• “Paint It Black” (by The Rolling Stones)
• “Cherub Rock” (by Smashing Pumpkins)
• “Sabotage” (by Beastie Boys)
• “The Metal” (by Tenacious D)
• “My Name is Jonas” (by Weezer)
• “Knights of Cydonia” (by Muse)
• “Rock And Roll All Nite” (as made famous by Kiss)
• “School’s Out” (as made famous by Alice Cooper)
• “Slow Ride” (as made famous by Foghat)
• “Cult of Personality” (by Living Colour)
• “Barracuda” (as made famous by Heart)

So far, so good. I am excited about almost all these tracks. Not so much “Slow Ride”, as I agree to a friend’s succinct assessment that it is in fact “boring”. Now for other random tidbits of information. First of all, GH3 will be released for Xbox 360, Wii, PS2, and PS3, and will feature Gibson’s iconic Les Paul model of guitars (Gibson Kramer for the PS2). Apparently all systems’ controllers will be getting the wireless treatment as well. The new guitars will feature swappable faceplates so you can customize your guitar without cheapy stickers. Also, there will supposedly be “a new button color design that will be integrated for an even greater authentic feel and rock experience.” I’m not really sure how changing a color scheme provides a more authentic rock experience, or even how you can possibly do that when existing (expensive) guitar controllers already have a color scheme. I guess time will tell.

Thanks Neversoft, you seem to be getting along nicely. Guitar Hero 3 is planned for the holidays, I’m predicting November 12th.